Sushma Swaraj holds talks with Yemen Deputy PM Abdulmalik Abduljalil Al-Mekhlafi

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj yesterday held extensive talks with the Deputy Prime Minister of Yemen Abdulmalik Abduljalil Al-Mekhlafi. During the talks she conveyed India's concern over the safety of Father Tom Uzhunnalil, who was abducted in April last year from Aden.

Ms Swaraj reiterated the request for continued assistance from the Yemeni authorities in securing his safe and early release. Mr Al-Mekhlafi told Ms Swaraj that Father Tom is alive and the Yemen government is making all efforts to secure his release. The Ministry of External Affairs said, Ms Swaraj and Mr Al-Mekhlafi held discussions in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, covering bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. 

The visiting minister appreciated India's steadfast support for Yemen during difficult times, including India's humanitarian assistance. He highlighted that India



continued to welcome Yemeni nationals, especially for higher studies and medical treatment. He requested increase in slots for Yemeni students as also facilitation of medical visas for the Yemeni patients as India has been their most preferred destination. 

Ms Swaraj assured all possible assistance, including through supply of much-needed medicines at Yemen’s request. She conveyed that as a special gesture, ICCR’s scholarship slots for Yemen would be increased from the existing 35 to 55 annually. She also offered 50 Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme slots for Yemen for 2017-18.

The External Affairs Minister thanked the Government of Yemen for their whole-hearted cooperation and support in evacuation of Indian and foreign nationals from Yemen during Operation Raahat conducted by Government of India in March-April 2015.